Beecher Board Approves New Regulations for Electric Scooters, E-Bikes

Village of Beecher Meeting | November 10, 2025

Article Summary: The Village of Beecher has updated its municipal code to establish clear rules for operating low-speed electric scooters and has formally defined regulations for electric bicycles and motorized skateboards to address public safety.

New Vehicle Regulations Key Points:

• Electric scooters are now permitted on public roads with speed limits of 35 mph or less but are banned from sidewalks, trails, and state highways.

• New definitions for “Electric Bicycles/E-Bikes” and “Motorized Skateboards” have been added to the village code.

• E-bikes and motorized skateboards are prohibited on streets with speed limits of 35 mph or greater and must be equipped with lights for night use.

• A tiered fine system for violations starts at $25 for a first offense and increases for subsequent offenses.

The Beecher Village Board on Monday, November 10, 2025, unanimously passed two ordinances that amend the village’s traffic laws, creating new regulations for low-speed electric scooters, e-bikes, and motorized skateboards. The changes are intended to provide clarity for residents and law enforcement on the proper use of these increasingly popular modes of transportation.

The first measure, Ordinance 1442, specifically addresses low-speed electric scooters. Under the new rules, these scooters may be operated on public roads where the posted speed limit is 35 mph or less. However, they are now expressly forbidden on sidewalks, trails, bicycle paths, and state highways.

The second measure, Ordinance 1443, adds new definitions to the village code for “Electric Bicycles” (e-bikes) and “Motorized Skateboards.” An e-bike is defined as a bicycle with operational pedals, an electric motor of less than 750 watts, and a top assisted speed not exceeding 28 mph. The ordinance also establishes rules for their operation, stating that a person may not operate an e-bike or motorized skateboard on a public street with a speed limit of 35 mph or greater, in village parks, or on sidewalks and paths.

Both ordinances were presented by the Public Safety Committee, chaired by Trustee Joe Tieri.

“I’d like to make a motion approving an ordinance amending section 9-15-1 of the village of Beecher code as it pertains to low speed of electronic scooter regulations,” Tieri said before the vote on the first ordinance. He followed with a similar motion for the bicycle and e-bike regulations.

To ensure safety, the ordinance requires that any e-bike or motorized skateboard used at night must have a front white light visible from at least 500 feet and a rear red reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet. The vehicles must also be well-maintained with a properly functioning braking system.

The village has also instituted a penalty structure for violations. A first offense will result in a $25 fine, a second offense will cost $100, and a third offense will be $150. A fourth or subsequent offense will carry a fine of $250 or more.